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Sequencing the horse gene
By Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.
Following is the latest Horse News and Views which is prepared by Dr. Bob Wright, Animal Health and Welfare, OMAFRA, in cooperation with the staff and researchers of the University of Guelph.
The monthly column highlights research topics, extension resources, reminders of common poisonings, disease or production concerns and coming events and is placed on our website, http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/news.html.
The term ‘genome’ refers to the DNA sequence, or genetic map, of one set of chromosomes of an organism. The first draft of the genome for the domestic horse, Equus caballus, has been deposited in public databases.
Sequencing of the horse genome began in 2006, and is a collaborative effort among an international group of scientists to use genomics to address important health issues for equines, known as the Horse Genome Project. (www.uky.edu/Ag/Horsemap/
A small amount of blood from a Thoroughbred mare, named Twilight, from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., was used to obtain the DNA that was used in the sequencing effort. (News Advisory. The National Institutes of Health, (www.genome.gov/20519480
The plants of the genus Equisetum, commonly known as horsetail, are considered to be living fossils. These widespread, perennial, fern-like plants are found in most temperate areas of the world. They can have detrimental effects on horses if consumed in large quantities (e.g., 4 to 5 lbs per day for a 1000-lb horse, for 1-2 weeks).
Thiaminase, an anti-thiamine enzyme present in horsetail inhibits the production of vitamin B1. Vitamin B1 is responsible for extracting energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. (Ref. Radostits OM, et al.Veterinary Medicine, 9th ed. Edinburgh: WB Saunders, 2000:1556-1558)
For further information, contact Dr. Bob Wright (519) 846-3412 or visit our website: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock